Meta has predictably announced that it will begin rolling out advertisements on its X/Twitter alternative, Threads, to all users globally starting next week.
Threads began testing advertisements with a small group of users last January in the US and Japan. The test drew backlash from people who had enjoyed the platform"s ad-free experience. Many users voiced their displeasure online, but given that Meta"s business is built almost entirely on advertising revenue, nobody was truly shocked by the decision.
Meta says that Threads has grown to over 400 million monthly active users and that it is becoming the "best place for conversations about what matters now". Ads on Threads will appear in various formats, including standard image, video, and carousel ads. The platform also now supports a 4:5 aspect ratio and can run Advantage+ catalog and app advertisements.
Meta is promising users the "same level of personalization" they are accustomed to on Facebook and Instagram, all powered by its established AI advertising system.
If you"re a business owner, Meta has improved how you manage your presence with a "simplified account management" feature that lets you handle your Threads account directly within Business Settings, right next to your Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp accounts.
This integration allows businesses to run ads from Ads Manager or cross-post organic content through the Meta Business Suite. The company has also expanded its third-party brand safety and suitability verification, already available on its other platforms, to the Threads feed.
Ads are also making their way to ChatGPT. OpenAI recently announced that it will bring ads to the Free and Go tiers of ChatGPT, which will show up at the bottom of the AI"s answers when a conversation is relevant.
There is another ad format, planned for the future, that will be interactive, allowing users to ask questions about a product or service before purchasing.